Overview

This series of courses is designed to train municipal and county finance personnel in the responsibility of everyday fiscal operations. All eight courses are required for the state designation of Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO).

The Municipal Finance Administration (MFA) for CMFOs course is an option for the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk, Qualified Purchasing Agent and/or Registered Public Purchasing Official/Specialist, the alternatives being MFA for Clerks and MFA for Public Purchasing Personnel.

Municipal finance officers, treasurers, clerks, purchasing agents, tax collectors, commissioners of finance, council members, other municipal officials, and interested citizens are invited to enroll in the courses as long as the prerequisites are satisfied.

Final examinations are administered and the passing grade is 80%. Failure requires students to re-take the course.

The CMFO curriculum includes a prerequisite of basic accounting knowledge to ensure that students are adequately prepared to complete the program. A minimum of six credits in Introduction to Financial Accounting and/or Managerial Accounting (Accounting 101 and 102) at the college level, or completion of the Introduction to Accounting course, is required prior to attendance in the Current Fund I and subsequent accounting courses. An opportunity to "test-out” of the introduction course is available for individuals whose experience with accounting principles has prepared them to meet the demands of the curriculum. To make arrangements to take the test,  email ldemian@docs.rutgers.edu;  the exam administration carries a $150 fee.

Request Duplicate Certificate 

Certification Information

For complete certification requirements for the CMFO designation, see N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140.1-3.

For additional information on becoming a CMFO or CCFO, contact the Certification Unit, Division of Local Government Services, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, at 609-633-6349, or visit http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dlgs/

 

Course Schedule

All registrations for online/distant learning and in-person courses must be received NO LATER than three business days before the class begins. Late registrations will NOT be accepted.

Please visit the Registration page for important information regarding online course expectations and registration.

Introduction to Accounting
FM-2101-SP24
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2101-SP24-1

1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14

5:30p-8:30p

Shirley Mendez-Marcano

$575.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Municipal Finance Administration
FM-2102-SP24
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2102-SP24-1

2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28

5:30p-9:30p

Cynthia Lindsay

$821.00

Online Canvas, all live sessions

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Course Code: FM-2102-SP24-2

3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18

5:30p-9:30p

Candice Pennewell

$821.00

Online Canvas, all live sessions

Register

Municipal Budget Process
FM-2103-FA23
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2103-FA23-4

10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20

4:30p-8:30p

Joseph Kovalcik, Jason Gabloff

$944.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Course Code: FM-2103-SP24-1

2/5, 2/8, 2/12, 2/15, 2/19, 2/22, 2/26, 2/29, 3/4, 3/7

5:30p-8:30p

Joseph Monzo

$944.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Course Code: FM-2103-SP24-2

4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23

5:30p-9:30p

Cynthia Lindsay

$944.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Course Code: FM-2103-SP24-3

4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12

5:30p-9:30p

Joseph Luppino

$944.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Municipal Current Fund Accounting 1
FM-2104-SP24
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2104-SP24-1

1/16, 1/23, 1/30*, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20

6:00p-10:00p

Jill Goldy

$760.00

WebEx/UniInn, all live sessions, * in-person

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Course Code: FM-2104-SP24-2

1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12

6:00p-9:00p

James D'Auria

$760.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Municipal Current Fund Accounting 2
FM-2105-FA23
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2105-FA23-1

11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/9, 1/16

5:30p-9:30p

James D'Auria

$1037.00

Online: WebEx

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Course Code: FM-2105-SP24-1

2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19*, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16*

6:00p-10:00p, *5:30p-10:00p

Jill Goldy

$1037.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Course Code: FM-2105-SP24-2

3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30*, 5/7*

5:30p-9:30p, *5:30p-10:00p

James D'Auria

$1037.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Municipal Capital and Trust Fund Accounting
FM-2106-SP24
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2106-SP24-1

1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20

5:30p-9:30p

Joseph Kovalcik, Jason Gabloff

$1222.00

Online Canvas, all live sessions

Register

Course Code: FM-2106-SP24-2

3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15

5:30p-9:30p

Anthony Mannino

$1222.00

Online: Webex, all live sessions

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Municipal Utility Fund Accounting
FM-2107-FA23
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2107-FA23-1

9/14, 9/21, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2*, 1/9*, 11/30*, 12/7*

5:30p-9:30p *5:30p-8:30p

Shirley Mendez-Marcano

$1037.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

Register

Course Code: FM-2107-SP24-1

3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

5:30p-8:30p

Shirley Mendez-Marcano

$1037.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

Register

Course Code: FM-2107-SP24-2

2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11

6:00p-9:00p

TBD

$1037.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

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Principles of Financial Management
FM-2108-SP24
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2108-SP24-1

2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19

5:30p-9:30p

Candice Pennewell

$883.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

Register

Course Code: FM-2108-SP24-2

3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8

5:30p-9:30p

Joseph Kovalcik, Jason Gabloff

$883.00

Online Canvas & Webex, all live sessions

Register

Preparation of Annual Financial Statements
FM-2109-SP24
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2109-SP24-1

2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10

5:30p-9:30p

Joseph Luppino

$1222.00

Online WebEx, all live sessions

Register

Certified Municipal Finance Officers' Examination Review: Statutes Section
FM-2110-SP24
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2110-SP24-1

3/2, 3/16

8:30a-4:00p

Jill Goldy

$503.00

Rutgers University Inn

Register

Certified Municipal Finance Officers' Examination Review: Accounting Section
FM-2111-SP24
Date(s)
Time(s)
Instructor(s)
Fee
Location(s)
Action

Course Code: FM-2111-SP24-1

4/5, 4/12, 4/19

9:00a-2:00p

Joseph Luppino

$503.00

Lifelong Learning Center

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Courses

15 hours

This course has been added to the Certified Municipal Finance Officer's program to ensure that students are adequately prepared to successfully complete the program. The course is applicable to all those who do not possess six credits in Introduction to Financial Accounting or Managerial Accounting (Accounting 101 and 102) at the college level. Successful completion of this course is required prior to attendance in Current Fund I and subsequent accounting courses. A final exam is given. 



This course is an introduction to the field of municipal finance and is designed to provide a foundation for a better understanding of New Jersey local government fiscal affairs.  Major topics covered include the institutional framework of local government in New Jersey, the state’s role in supervision and assistance, property tax administration and assessment administration, municipal caps, municipal budgeting, budget execution, municipal purchasing, treasury management, and the flexible chart of accounts.

30 hours

This second course in the sequence acquaints the student with the full budget cycle, with special emphasis on the budget's role as a tool for effective municipal management. Legal requirements concerning the adoption and execution of the official budget are examined, with particular attention to the roles of various municipal officials and the administrative techniques involved. Preparation of departmental budget requests, budget review and cuts, revenues and appropriations, and new budget techniques are covered. Attention also is given to the flexible chart of accounts. Accounting and auditing principles are briefly discussed. Students are encouraged to relate the course work to their current practical budget practices. A final exam is given.

24 hours
Prerequisite: Introduction to Accounti​ng , Municipal Budget Process

This third course focuses on fund accounting in New Jersey. It is designed to prepare the local government finance official for the more advanced accounting courses offered. The student is introduced to basic fund accounting terminology and work sheet preparation. The flexible chart of accounts is also covered. A final exam is given.

33 hours
Prerequisite: Municipal Current Fund Accounting 1

This is the fourth course in the municipal finance course sequence. It is designed for those who have responsibility for local government finance. The course covers the application of the principles and theories for the complete municipal accounting cycle. A final exam is given.

39 hours
Prerequisite: Municipal Current Fund Accounting 1, Municipal Current Fund Accounting 2 

This is the fifth course in the municipal finance course sequence. Students have an opportunity to work on accounting processes and problems during class under the instructor's supervision. Principles of assessment, trust fund accounting, general capital fund accounting, and theory of capital budgeting are also covered. A final exam is given.

33 hours
Prerequisite: Municipal Capital and Trust Fund Accounting

This is the sixth course in the municipal finance course sequence. Students have an opportunity to work on utility fund accounting processes and problems in class under the instructor's supervision. Course topics include purpose and scope of utility funds, the utility operating fund, theory of capital budgeting, the utility capital fund, and the utility assessment fund. A final exam is given.

28 hours
Prerequisite: Municipal Utility Fund Accounting 

This seventh course in the municipal finance sequence emphasizes sound financial management practices for finance directors, treasurers, and registered municipal accountants. Elements of financial organization, reporting, planning, debt, pension, investment, insurance administration, and collective bargaining are reviewed through case studies. This is the only course in the sequence required for the issuance of the designation of Certified Municipal Finance Officer for Registered Municipal Accountants (RMA) licensed by the State of New Jersey (see N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140 for details). A final exam is given.

39 hours
Prerequisite: Principles of Financial Management 

This is the eighth and final course in the series designed to teach students the skills necessary to complete an annual financial statement. The course is open only to those students who have completed Municipal Current Fund I and II, Municipal Capital and Trust Fund Accounting, and Municipal Utility Fund Accounting. The course is built around the actual preparation of an annual financial statement by the student. In addition, specific information such as filing deadlines, statutory requirements, the role of the finance officer, and other pertinent issues are reviewed. A final exam is given.

14 hours

These two courses provide examinees with a thorough review of all aspects of prior financial management coursework in preparation for the state certification examination. Course material is supplied prior to the course; therefore, early registration is suggested. Those planning to take the exam must make application to the NJ Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services, 30 days in advance of the exam date. 

33 hours
Prerequisite: Introduction to Accounti​ng , Municipal Budget Process, Municipal Finance Administration (CMFO), Municipal Current Fund Accounting 1, Municipal Current Fund Accounting 2 , Municipal Capital and Trust Fund Accounting, Municipal Utility Fund Accounting , Principles of Financial Management , Preparation of Annual Financial Statements 

Those wishing to become Certified County Finance Officers (CCFO) must complete the County Fiscal Operations course, successfully complete the eight financial management courses required for CMFO certification (Municipal Finance Administration, Municipal Budget Process, Municipal Current Fund Accounting 1, Municipal Current Fund Accounting 2, Municipal Capital and Trust Fund Accounting, Principles of Financial Management, Preparation of Annual Financial Statement, County Fiscal Operations) in addition to meeting other requirements. 



For complete certification requirements for the CMFO designation, see N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140.1-3.

For additional information on becoming a CMFO or CCFO,contact the Certification Unit, Division of Local Government Services, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, at 609-633-6349, or visit http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dlgs/

6 hours each

These five, one-day courses are intensive reviews for those preparing for the Registered Municipal Accountant examination. The modules teach both theory and process through accounting problems and questions from prior RMA examinations. The following topics are covered: Module 1, Municipal Procedures and Practices; Module 2, Current Fund Accounting; Module 3, General and Trust Fund Accounting; Module 4, Utility Fund Accounting; Module 5, RMA Practice Exam. Modules are approved for 7 CPE credits each in Yellow Book Governmental Accounting by the Board of Accountancy under Rutgers University sponsor number 703.

Continuing Education Information

The financial management program courses are approved by the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy for CPE credit under New Jersey sponsor number 703.

Selected program courses qualify for CEU credit toward renewal of the CMFO/CCFO licenses. Call the center at 848-932-4739, for more information.

This course will assist public officials in making informed strategic financial decisions that will stabilize a local government’s operating and capital budget. The 4.5-hour program will focus on the importance on multi-year budgeting, capital planning and cost containment strategies. Topics will include review and analysis of Local Budget Law; strategic budget & revenue planning; shared service agreements opportunities and cost containment analysis; capital planning and debt planning.  

Course Manuals

The manual reviews the general structure of government in New Jersey; state statutes governing the county budget process, content and format; trust funds and grant accounting; annual debt statements and supplemental debt statements; and local public contracting laws.

This manual provides a broad background of local government budgeting as it is practiced in New Jersey and deals with a document that is a plan of action, expressed in financial terms. Legal requirements concerning the adoption and executing of the official budget are examined, as well as the roles of various municipal officials through the budget circle.

The supplemental course manual provides accounting processes and problems that are worked on during class under the instructor's supervision. Principles of assessment, trust fund accounting, general capital fund accounting, and theory of capital budgeting are also covered. 

This manual focuses on fund accounting in New Jersey. It is designed as a course supplement for those who have responsibility for local government finance. The manual introduces basic fund accounting terminology and work sheet preparation and proceeds to the application of the principles and theories for the complete municipal accounting cycle.

This manual introduces the field of municipal finance and is designed to provide a foundation for a better understanding of New Jersey local government fiscal affairs.  Major topics covered include  the institutional framework of local government in New Jersey, the state’s role in supervision and  assistance, property tax administration and assessment administration, municipal caps, municipal budgeting, budget execution, municipal purchasing, treasury management, and the flexible chart of accounts.

The supplemental course manual provides the materials for class-work on utility fund accounting processes and problems under the instructor's supervision. The topics include purpose and scope of utility funds, the utility operating fund, theory of capital budgeting, the utility capital fund, and the utility assessment fund.

This supplemental course manual is designed to provide a working document to further the skills necessary to complete an annual financial statement. The material is built around the actual preparation of an annual financial statement.

The supplemental course manual provides the basis for emphases on sound financial management practices for finance directors, treasurers, and registered municipal accountants. Elements of financial organization, reporting, planning, debt, pension, investment, insurance administration, and collective bargaining are reviewed through the contained case studies.